The Hot List 2010

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, New South Wales

The Hot List 2010

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, New South
Wales

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai, has
brought a new level of luxury to Australia with this A$125 million
(about £72 million) property, modelled on Dubai's Al Maha Desert
Resort & Spa. Overlooking the confluence of two river gorges
and surrounded by savannah woodland, the Wolgan Valley Resort &
Spa is set amid 4,000 acres of wilderness in the spectacular Blue
Mountains. At its hub is the imposing, two-storey main building, a
21st-century take on the original homestead nearby, which was
visited by Charles Darwin in 1836. There are 36 stone-and-timber
'Heritage Suite' villas in the valley, each with a private veranda
and small pool. All have four-poster beds in bedrooms separated
from a living space by sandstone chimneybreasts with gas fires.
There are walk-in wardrobes/studies, bathrooms and showers under
glass ceilings, plus kitchenettes with De'Longhi espresso machines.
Two-and three-bedroom suites are also available. On the top floor
of the homestead are two palatial sitting rooms and a dining area
beneath vaulted, beamed ceilings and skylights. The food is modern
Australian at its best, and there's a walk-in wine cellar. There is
also a pool, gym and spa. Activities include horse riding, nature
walks, heritage tours and early-evening drives to spot wombats,
kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and 90-odd species of bird.

When to go All year, but February can be hot,
humid and prone to storms.